At noon, under the bright sunlight in the Black Forest.
Painter stood at the original location of the Lost Tower, scratching his head in frustration. He had only gone out for a while to deal with the mercenary group's affairs, and upon his return, the Lost Tower was gone.
All that was left was a piece of scorched earth from the aftermath of a battle. The grass was destroyed, and the soil was overturned, emitting the smell of blood and burnt odor.
Painter grimaced.
The Demon Players had made quite a fuss. Nol and the others must have urgently relocated their base.
He might as well go to Grape Collar to find the General. From what he observed, the members of Paradise wouldn't skimp on their stomachs. No matter where the Lost Tower had moved, the General would surely not be short of supplying fresh ingredients.
It seemed he wouldn't be able to find the Tower anytime soon. Why not take this opportunity to gather some more information? Nol wouldn't hide important information from him, but it wouldn't be appropriate to meet empty-handed…
Painter yawned, waving his wand casually. A new green light flashed, and a lurking giant bug flipped over in the bushes, slowly oozing foul-smelling juice.
Painter looked at it with regret. "This thing can't fill a stomach."
The Lost Tower had made him much more finicky. His usual dried meat and bread were no longer satisfying. Even if he made do, it had to be paired with freshly roasted meat with spices.
Speaking of which, the deer ribs stewed in the Lost Tower were delicious. Maybe he should go hunt some deer first. Later, he could also bring some extra meat to the General in exchange for a few bottles of better wine.
The Former Pope's thoughts bounced between "The War of the Gods" and "Lunch Recipes" for a while, eventually settling on "Lunch Recipes".
Just as he was about to step forward, a sword brushed past his boot and diagonally embedded itself in front of him.
It was a very ordinary sword, a standard consumable of the Temple of Life. Knights always liked to carry this kind of sword when going out. Those valuable divine weapons were preferred in important battles.
But the one in front of him was slightly different.
Its aura was suppressed to almost nothing, but at this distance, the Former Pope could still recognize it—it was the "Dominator" he had kept for a while.
Someone had applied a concealment spell to it, greatly restraining its power. The normally flamboyant and eye-catching appearance had become very subdued.
Interesting.
With Eugene's abilities, he definitely couldn't modify a sword filled with divine power. Considering everything miraculous in the Temple must be reported, Star Stealer Sol surely knew the sword was with Eugene.
It even further sealed the sword's aura, making it convenient for the devout Mr. Eugene to carry it with him.
"Even if you block me like this, I don't have money to invite you to lunch."
Painter hooked the tip of his boot, intending to casually pick up the long sword. But a streak of light flashed, and the sword flew back to its origin.
Eugene emerged from the bushes and came out with a face devoid of smiles.
"I remember the investigation by the Temple of Life has already ended. Why are you here alone?" Painter turned around with a smile, though he raised his wand.
"Because I knew you would come."
Knight Eugene spoke hoarsely, raising the "Dominator" in his hand. "You're not an opponent suited for mass tactics. Bringing my subordinates would be useless."
"That night, you didn't participate in the battle of Paradise. But all this way, you've been following Paradise. So, since the base of Paradise has urgently relocated, I have reason to suspect—"
"Wait, wait, wait." Painter stroked his chin. "You actually think I'm a subordinate of the 'Master of Paradise'? I'm very disappointed."
"Are you not?" Eugene's voice suddenly tightened.
Painter waved his wand seriously. "Of course not. I'm the 'Master of Paradise's' partner."
For a few seconds, a burst of killing intent erupted from Eugene. His hair fluttered, and his presence kicked up dust. Painter stood at a distance, smiling, as if he didn't see it.
"Nice sword," Painter added meaningfully.
"I heard the voice of the Goddess." Eugene pointed the sword at Painter. "She told me to carry this sword with me. When this sword is unsealed, the opponent will be an enemy of God—my target."
"This sword has no reaction to you, Painter. Now that the army of the Demon King is officially in the world, if you wish to return to the Temple, I will vouch for you in the name of the Goddess."
"I'm truly touched," Painter responded unflappably.
Of course, the sword wouldn't react. After all, the death of Godfrey Painter would be the making of a god.
As long as that prophecy existed, Star Stealer Sol wouldn't dare to harm him until he had full control of the situation.
Painter's gaze shifted to the sword. A beam of sunlight fell through the leaves, picked up by Eugene at the tip of the sword, like a melting drop of the sun.
The scene was quite something. Painter lightly pushed the sword tip away. Away from that beam of light, the sword immediately dimmed.
So that was the ruse used by Star Stealer Sol.
As Painter had guessed, after discovering the "Dominator", Star Stealer Sol deliberately allowed Eugene to keep the sword—according to Star Stealer Sol's reasoning, the "Dominator" must have been obtained by Painter by some means, given in the name of the Goddess to Eugene.
Considering Painter had been the Pope of the Temple of Life, Star Stealer Sol was definitely paying attention to "Painter". Knowing that, as a native powerhouse of Tahe, Godfrey Painter wouldn't fully trust a group of otherworldly visitors.
Painter strengthening local forces amounted to indirectly guarding against Paradise, and Star Stealer Sol might even enjoy the show.
When the time came, it would unseal the sword in front of Nol and others. Eugene would undoubtedly draw his sword and strike at the real God of Creation.
Such a naive child, such a useful weapon.
"…I know, you think the current Temple is too overbearing, and the punishment for blasphemy is too harsh." In front of him, Eugene continued, "The Goddess wouldn't agree with these either. You still hold the teachings of the Goddess in your heart. This is the internal corruption of the Temple. After dealing with the Demon King, you can personally supervise the rectification of these behaviors…"
"I suddenly understand some feelings." Painter couldn't help but sigh.
Eugene's voice abruptly stopped. On the scorched earth, he stared seriously at this nominal "Godfather".
"I've listened to the troubles of the faithful before." Painter said calmly, "Some people's ex-partners like to cling persistently—such people firmly believe they've only made a small mistake. As long as they make promises, everything can go back to how it was—everything must go back to how it was."
"Mr. Eugene, you're young. Don't indulge in such disappointing thoughts."
As soon as his words fell, a magical shield collided fiercely with the sword blade. The surrounding stones were blown away, leaving deep scratches on the tree trunks.
Eugene's face was full of rage. Painter supported the magical shield, still eagerly adding fuel to the fire. "Child, questioning doctrines and changing the Temple—that's what devout followers should do."
"Now, I'm not concerned about the Temple's thoughts, nor am I interested in the Goddess."
If he had to say, he might be more interested in "dethroning the Goddess".
But, he couldn't explain the truth to Eugene. Painter knew those fanatics too well—no matter what he said, Eugene would consider it "Demon King" brainwashing. Even if he took Eugene to the Holy Land, with his own trespassing first, Eugene would still believe it was the "Demon King's" doing.
More importantly… if by some chance, Eugene accepted the truth. Setting aside the mental shock this boy might suffer, Star Stealer Sol wouldn't leave Eugene alive.
The knight who slays God in prophecy must not take a stance too early.
Nol must know this as well. Thus, the Lord never mentioned "wooing Eugene". On this matter, they maintained a tacit understanding without words.
"You do not deserve the Goddess's mercy." Eugene's eyes reddened, his sword swung with extra force. "Since you insist on choosing the enemy of all, I will dismember your arm and forcibly send you back to the Temple—"
The next moment, a bright light flashed before him. Painter vanished, and Eugene's blade cut air.
Eugene immediately recognized the magical fluctuation. Damn, it was short-distance teleportation magic!
Such an item was incredibly precious, likely provided by the Demon King's army. Normally, he wouldn't miss the subtle movement of activating an item. Painter must have known this, hence deliberately spouting nonsense to provoke him.
…He let that guy escape again!
It took Eugene a dozen deep breaths to regain his composure.
Why not fight?
This time, he purposely came alone. The "Dominator" wasn't unlocked, meaning Godfrey Painter could indeed fight him, with a not so small chance of winning.
If Painter truly collaborated with the Demon King, "killing Eugene Malloy" would be the most rational choice—even without considering the oracle of slaying the False God, killing the knight commander symbolizing the Temple would definitely be a great achievement.
Eugene couldn't figure it out. Even now, he still couldn't see through that smirking old fox.
…Painter, what are you really thinking?
Grape Collar, the General's secret meeting room.
"Teaching young people is really troublesome." Painter sat down with a groan, pressing his wrist. "Can't ignore them, can't control them too much, and have to worry about them being led astray by others. Truly a complex science…"
"That's your problem. I usually just kill those who don't listen."
The General crossed her legs, enjoying her wine and cheese. Now dressed simply and efficiently, her muscular arms were exposed, and her gem-encrusted gloves were gone, replaced by a dagger decorated with jewels at the rim of her wine cup.
That dagger reeked of poison and blood.
"Don't you have any questions for me? Honestly, your adaptability is astonishing." She winked at him, showing off her uniformly normal-sized eyes.
"No need to ask questions. Apart from That One, no one else can do such things."
Reluctantly, Painter pulled out his purse. "I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you for lunch today. I was planning to bring venison as a gift."
"Your reaction is really uninteresting. As expected of a priest who believes in the equality of all living things."
The General shrugged, randomly pulling a few silver coins from the purse. "I have venison. You'll just have to make do—there's news from Paradise. I'll notify you."
"Thanks." Painter picked up his teacup.
Before his tea touched his lips, a ring of fire opened in the center of the parlor.
The fire ring was very small, not much bigger than a human face. A mysterious force surrounded it, and Painter felt no magical fluctuations.
A familiar face appeared on the other side of the fire ring.
"I need spices, salt, and sugar." Nol's voice was low, as if engaging in some illicit deal. "And as many sweets from Good Blessings as possible—the more the better."
"I don't get it. Why don't you create them yourself?" Kando, supporting the fire ring, protested unhappily.
"Because creating gold is the least effort. Nol has other tasks." Accompanied by Teest's murmur, a hand reached through the fire ring, poking the candle hard. The candle rolled its eyes dramatically and kept quiet.
Painter witnessing all this: "..."
Better pretend I didn't hear that.
"Hello, Mr. Painter."
Noticing Painter, Nol widened the fire ring a bit. "Sorry. We moved too hastily earlier, so we didn't have the chance to inform you."
"Our current location is rather… special. It's not convenient to host the Drifting Mercenary Group. If you mind this, staying with the General here is fine."
"That's fine." Painter nodded with a smile.
It seemed there was no explicit battle plan yet. No matter, he could wait.
The room fell into a brief silence. The General glanced around and suddenly stood up. "I'll go order the preparation of supplies."
"Seems like you have something private to say." Painter sipped his tea.
"Yes."
As the General left the room, Nol immediately said, "Enbillick Alva is the avatar of Star Stealer Sol. Please be careful."
Painter froze, then began coughing violently. Nol looked at him apologetically, slowly retracting his head.
Even though Mr. Painter no longer believed in the Goddess of Life, things like "having officiated a wedding for the Goddess of Life" or "having dined at the Goddess of Life's home" were likely to still affect him significantly.
"That's about it for now. We'll continue this another time—"
"Wait!"
Just as Nol was about to leave, Painter hurriedly spoke up. He rose too quickly, spilling tea on the hem of his robe.
"Hold on, sir. Before you go, tell me, if that person is the avatar of Star Stealer Sol, what about Lady Arva and the two children…?"
"We don't know yet."
At this, Nol's mood seemed to dip. "Rest assured. We won't act rashly."
Indeed, not long ago, the discussion on "hunting Star Stealer Sol" hit a deadlock.
No one knew why Star Stealer Sol's avatar would start a family.
Solo suggested that perhaps Lady Avra is Star Stealer Sol's true love across species, which could be a breakthrough.
Teest firmly believed that Enbillick's humanity was even thinner than his own. His family was merely part of some plot, or even reserve weapons.
Fortunately, everyone agreed on one point—before clarifying the facts, nobody wanted to make a move hastily.
"Let's do this."
Painter pondered for a few seconds. "He still hasn't lost interest in me and isn't sure if I know about the avatar. This moment is just right. I'll visit the Alva household again."
The author has something to say:
Painter: Lord Alva, I'm coming to your house for dinner!